'But we all know what it ultimately is that will bring fans back to HSBC Arena, whether it be from the immediate area, across the Peace Bridge or down the Thruway. And that single defining, marketing element is a winning team. Nothing less will suffice.'

'This season, all NHL teams will play each division opponent a total of six times with three home games and three road games. Each conference opponent will be a four-game series and each out of conference team will be played at least once, but not more than twice.'

'When the Buffalo Sabres first said they were interested in playing a regular-season game in Rochester, it was natural to assume the opponent wouldn't be an impressive one. The Florida Panthers? The Nashville Predators? The Atlanta Thrashers? Try the defending Stanley Cup champions.'

'“I’ve watched how the Buffalo Bills have done a tremendous job becoming part of the marketplace here,” Golisano said. “When they moved their training camp to the St. John Fisher College campus, it really heightened awareness and interest in the Buffalo Bills.”'

'One notable shift for the coming season is that Friday night home games will begin at 8 p.m. while other evening games will face off at 7 p.m. The Sabres said the Friday night change was done to allow "fans time to patronize local restaurants and establishments before enjoying the game at the HSBC Arena."'

'''It should be good for the Sabres, good for the Rochester Americans and good for all of hockey in western New York,'' Golisano said. ''One of my goals when purchasing the Sabres was to make this a regional team for all of western New York and southern Ontario.'''

'The Sabres already have six centers on their roster who played at least 50 games in the NHL last season: Drury, Daniel Briere, Curtis Brown, Tim Connolly, Adam Mair and Begin. Then there's highly touted prospect Derek Roy.'